Volvo has officially reintroduced the XC70 nameplate, this time as a plug-in hybrid SUV, marking a significant shift from its previous incarnation as an off-road station wagon. Unveiled for the Chinese market, the new XC70 boasts a pure electric range of up to 200 kilometers (approximately 124 miles) on the CLTC cycle, making it Volvo's longest-range plug-in hybrid to date.
Built on the New Scalable Modular Architecture (SMA)
The XC70 is the first model to utilize Volvo's new Scalable Modular Architecture (SMA), a platform designed specifically for extended-range plug-in hybrids. This architecture supports both electric and combustion powertrains, allowing for flexibility in design and performance. The XC70's plug-in hybrid system combines a battery capable of delivering 200km of electric-only driving with a combustion engine that extends the total range, catering to drivers seeking both efficiency and long-distance capability.
Modern Scandinavian Design with EV Influences
Drawing inspiration from Volvo's electric vehicle lineup, the XC70 features design elements such as the signature 'Thor's Hammer' LED daytime running lights and C-shaped LED tail-lights integrated into the rear glass. The front fascia is characterized by a sealed grille with active shutter technology, optimizing airflow and enhancing aerodynamic efficiency. The SUV's silhouette presents a dynamic yet robust stance, with a sweeping roofline and sculpted shoulder lines that reflect Volvo's modern Scandinavian design ethos.
Market Positioning and Availability
Initially targeted at the Chinese market, the XC70 addresses the growing demand for long-range plug-in hybrids in the region. Volvo has indicated that it is exploring the possibility of introducing the model to other markets in the future, though specific timelines and availability have yet to be confirmed.
** Launch Timeline**
The Volvo XC70 is slated for launch in China later this year, with orders expected to commence in the coming months. Further details regarding performance specifications, interior features, and pricing will be revealed closer to the official launch date.
QJ Motor Unveils SRT 300 DX Adventure Bike to Rival Honda CRF300 Rally
Bengaluru, June 12, 2025 – Chinese bike-maker QJ Motor has revealed the SRT 300 DX, a new adventure motorcycle aimed squarely at the popular Honda CRF300 Rally. Primed for European and Southeast Asian markets, its arrival in India remains unconfirmed .
Engine & Performance
292.3 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine outputting 28.8 hp @ 8,000 rpm and 24.5 Nm torque @ 7,000 rpm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox and wet multi-plate clutch
Performance rivals the CRF300 Rally, which delivers around 27.3 hp and similar torque
Riding Hardware & Dynamics
Built on a steel frame with 21″ front and 18″ rear spoked wheels wrapped in knobby tires for true off-road capability
Offers USD forks up front, a rear monoshock, 275 mm ground clearance (10 mm more than Kawasaki KLX 230), and a seat height of 890 mm—tall but purposeful
**Weighs around **157 kg, aiding nimble trail handling
Market Positioning & Price
Launching soon in Europe and Southeast Asia for approx. USD 4,350 (~₹3.7 lakh)
Direct competition includes Honda CRF300 Rally, Kawasaki KLX 230, with styling nods to Africa Twin and Enduro Veloce
No official plans announced for Indian launch yet
Why It Matters
Affordable adventure: Brings credible adventure specs into the sub‑₹4 lakh range.
Trail-ready build: High ground clearance, knobby tires, long travel suspension are hardcore-ready.
Honda rival: Offers similar or slightly better power than CRF300 Rally at a lower price point.
Global strategy: Marks QJ’s growing ambition with performance-oriented adventure bikes for international markets.
**Maruti Dzire Becomes India’s First Sedan to Bag 5-Star Bharat NCAP Safety Rating **
Bengaluru, June 12, 2025 – Maruti Suzuki's updated Dzire compact sedan has emerged as the first-ever sedan in India to earn a coveted 5-star safety rating under the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) .
Landmark Achievement in Crash Safety
It scored 29.46/32 in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and 41.57/49 in Child Occupant Protection (COP) tests
This 5-star rating is across all Dzire trims—even the base LXI variant—to ensure uniform safety standards
Notably, the Dzire had already earned a 5-star rating from Global NCAP last year
Advanced Safety Features Across the Board
Standard across all variants:
**Six airbags **(front, side, curtain)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with ABS+EBD and Hill Hold Assist
360° camera, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and seat-belt reminders for all occupants
Speed alert, tyre-pressure monitoring, and automatic door locking systems
These enhancements are part of Maruti’s broader initiative to add six airbags and ESP+ across its entire lineup by FY 2025–26
What This Means for the Compact Sedan Market
Safety leadership: The Dzire sets a new benchmark for mainstream Indian cars, challenging the likes of Hyundai Aura, Tata Tigor, and Honda Amaze
Regulatory & market influence: Maruti's push toward standardizing six airbags and ESC raises the bar across entry-level to premium segments
Government endorsement: Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari praised the milestone, emphasizing its alignment with global safety protocols
TVS & Norton to Bring New 450 cc Motorcycles to India — Based on BMW Platform
Bengaluru, June 12, 2025 – TVS Motor Company has confirmed that it will locally manufacture a family of 450 cc motorcycles in Hosur, India, including its own Apache 450 cc, plus models for Norton and BMW—all powered by BMW’s upcoming 450 cc twin‑cylinder platform .
What You Need to Know
Shared BMW engine: All bikes will use BMW’s 450 cc parallel-twin powertrain, first seen in the concept F 450 GS, showcased at EICMA and now nearing production
Made in India: TVS’s Hosur factory will handle manufacturing for TVS’s Apache 450 cc, BMW’s F 450 GS, and the Norton-branded 450 cc models
Product strategy: TVS MD Sudarshan Venu confirms platform sharing across brands. Alongside these, the company plans an Apache RTX 300 adventure bike and a possible Apache RTR 450 naked in future line-up
Norton revival: Norton-branded 450 cc bikes are expected in India by end-2025, sold via CBU route while assessing local demand
Market positioning: The Apache 450 cc will likely aim at rivals like KTM Duke 390, Honda CB 500 series; Norton’s retro roadsters will target premium enthusiasts, while BMW’s F 450 GS addresses adventure touring buyers .
Why This Matters
Royal Enfield CEO Rides Teased Himalayan 750 & Himalayan EV in Ladakh
Royal Enfield has officially dropped powerful teasers as CEO B. Govindarajan and design chief Mark Wells were seen testing two future-ready bikes—the Himalayan 750 and the Himalayan EV (HIM‑E)—in high-altitude Ladakh terrain
Himalayan 750: Stepping into Middleweight Adventure
Engine & Power: Likely powered by a new 750 cc parallel‑twin, delivering an estimated 50–55 hp and 60 Nm torque, based on spy shots of the engine and RE’s upcoming platform
Chassis & Setup: Adopts a road‑biased adventure build: trellis frame, USD front forks, monoshock, and 19"/17" spoke wheels tuned for touring rather than hardcore off-road
Braking & Weight: Features a dual‑disc front brake setup, essential for its enhanced performance profile . Expected heft: approx. 220 kg — heavier than the Himalayan 450.
Ride Modes & Tech: Spy reveals hint at ride-by-wire throttle, multiple ride modes, and possibly cruise control—marking it a technologically leap ahead
Launch Plans: Production-ready units tested in mid‑2025. Likely launch window: late 2026 or early 2027, with an ex-showroom price range of ₹3.9–4.3 lakh
Himalayan EV (HIM-E): RE’s First Electric ADV
Prototyping Stage: Seen in camouflaged test form, but styling clearly reflects RE’s classic Himalayan DNA—with large single-seat, tall windshield, knobby tyres, and full LED lighting, keeping a rugged aesthetic
Suspension & Frame: Could include high-spec Öhlins suspension (golden USD forks, adjustable mono) and a lightweight aluminium frame using the battery/motor as stressed structural elements
Features & Launch Speculation: Likely to sport a TFT display, Bluetooth, ride modes, and radially-mounted calipers. The bike looks production-ready and testing in real-world conditions suggests possible 2026 launch, priced at a premium over the ICE variant
What It Means for Adventure Riders
Midweight Advantage: Himalayan 750 sits above the 450, competing with Kawasaki Versys 650 and KTM 790/890 ADVs, offering more highway muscle.
Tech Boost: Both models bring electronics-forward riding—offering ride modes, TFT, connectivity, and better suspension.
Electrification Leap: Himalayan EV signifies Royal Enfield’s bold push into electric adventure touring, tapping into global EV trends and eco-conscious riders.
Brand Evolution: With CEO-level testing at Khardung La, RE emphasizes quality validation and global appeal from the world’s highest motorable road
Lexus LX 500d Deliveries Begin in India – Two Luxury Variants Launched
Bengaluru, June 11, 2025 – Lexus India has officially commenced deliveries of its flagship diesel SUV, the LX 500d, after launching bookings in March. Exclusive to diesel and built as a completely built unit (CBU), the LX 500d is now available in two trims: Urban (₹3.00 crore) and the new Overtrail (₹3.12 crore, ex-showroom) .
Powertrain & Off‑Road Capability
Engine: 3.3 L twin‑turbo V6 diesel producing 304 bhp @ 4,000 rpm and 700 Nm torque @ 1,600–2,600 rpm, mated to a 10-speed automatic and 4WD
Architecture: Ladder-frame chassis with Active Height Control and Adaptive Variable Suspension enhance ride stability across terrains
Overtrail Variant: Focuses on rugged appeal with front/rear diff locks, center locking diff, 18″ high‑profile tyres, and exclusive Moon Dust body trim
Luxury Features & ADAS
Both variants boast:
Lexus Safety System + 3.0 with ADAS features: pre‑collision, dynamic radar cruise control, lane‑trace assist, blind spot monitoring, safe exit assist, lane departure, adaptive high beam
Lexus Connect telematics: Remote control (lock/unlock, start/stop, window operations), SOS alerts, tracking, real‑time health monitoring
Air‑bladder front seats for massage/refresh comfort
Luxury Interior: 12.3″ + 7″ touchscreen displays, premium Mark Levinson audio, and four-zone climate control with rear entertainment screens on select trims
Ownership & After‑Sales
Lexus has introduced the Luxury Care Service Package with three tiers—Comfort, Relax, and Premiere—covering 3-years/60,000 km, 5-years/100,000 km, and 8‑years/160,000 km, providing peace of mind for premium owners
Market Position & Why It Matters
Flagship diesel offering: LX 500d is the only diesel model in Lexus India’s lineup, appealing to traditionalists and diesel enthusiasts
Versatile luxury: From urban sophistication (Urban) to rugged elegance (Overtrail), Lexus addresses diverse buyer lifestyles.
Competitive benchmarks: Positioned against ultra-lux SUVs like Mercedes-Maybach GLS, BMW XM, and Range Rover in the ₹3–3.5 crore bracket
2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport Unveiled – What’s New?
Bengaluru, June 11, 2025 – Land Rover has officially revealed the 2026 Discovery Sport, introducing sharper styling, upgraded trims, and a premium in-cabin experience that strengthens its appeal in the compact luxury SUV segment .
Fresh Exterior Looks & New Trims
Refreshed front fascia: A more assertive grille, bold LED lighting, and refined bumper lines enhance the sporty demeanor.
Exclusive trims:
Dynamic S: Gloss-black grille, wheel arches, and claw-style accents.
Landmark: Features panoramic sunroof, roof rails, 3D surround-view camera, and “Click & Go” tablet holders.
Metropolitan: Mimics larger Discovery’s elegance with silver bonnet/tailgate script, 20″ diamond-cut alloys, Windsor leather, heated/cooled seats, and a premium Meridian 14-speaker sound system
Interior Upgrades & Tech Enhancements
Floating 11.4″ curved glass touchscreen powered by Pivi Pro infotainment with sidebars for immediate access to media, climate, volume, and navigation
Digital driver display and steering-wheel-mounted paddles now feature across all variants.
Luxury interior touches: Metropolitan gains Windsor leather seats with 14-way adjustment, while Landmark brings tablet holders and cabin extras.
Launch Timeline & Global Preview
Launched first in the UK at £45,440 (~₹48.4 lakh), the new Discovery Sport is expected to reach India in early 2026
Land Rover is yet to announce the official launch date for other markets.
Why This Matters
Enhanced appeal: The refreshed styling and premium Metropolitan trim help the 2026 model stand out amidst rivals like BMW X3 and Volvo XC60.
Tech-forward interiors: With a curved touchscreen and Pivi Pro system, it meets contemporary expectations for intuitive connectivity.
Stronger lineup: Diverse trims—Dynamic S for rugged drivers, Landmark for families, and Metropolitan for luxury-seekers—mean broader market appeal.
MG Windsor EV Surpasses 27,000 Sales in Just 8 Months
Bengaluru, June 11, 2025 – JSW MG Motor India today confirmed that its all‑electric crossover, the MG Windsor EV, has crossed an impressive 27,000-unit milestone within eight months of its September 2024 launch . This achievement positions the Windsor as a leading contender in India’s EV market.
Key Highlights – Windsor EV’s Strong Run
Consistent bestseller: Leading EV segment sales since launch, head-to-head with rivals like the Tata Nexon EV
Nationwide appeal: Nearly 48% of sales stemmed from outside metro areas—signalling strong traction in tier‑II & III cities
Pro variant buzz: The Windsor EV Pro, equipped with a larger 52.9 kWh battery and advanced tech, secured 8,000 bookings within 24 hours of its May 2025 debut
Battery-as-a-Service: Innovative BaaS model starts at ₹9.99 lakh with ₹3.9/km usage charges — effectively lowering the upfront cost of EV ownership
Award‑winning design & comfort: The CUV has received over 30 industry awards, including NDTV Auto’s ‘Electric Car of the Year 2025’, and features a sleek AeroGlide design, reclinable Aero Lounge seats, and a 15.6″ touchscreen
What This Means for the Indian EV Market
MG’s success with the Windsor indicates a fast‑maturing EV ecosystem across both metro and non‑metro regions. With its compelling price point, smart BaaS model, and swiftly adopted Pro variant, the Windsor strategy underscores evolving consumer confidence and demand for feature-rich electric mobility.
Celebrating Two Decades of Performance DNA
To keep its Apache legacy roaring into its 20th year, TVS Motor Company has released the 2025 Apache RTR 200 4V. With a refined aesthetic and smart upgrades, it remains rooted in Yamaha’s philosophy of distinct performance and race-inspired design
Functional Overhaul with Safety and Style
Here’s what makes the 2025 model a real update—not just a refresh:
Gold-Finished 37 mm USD Forks: Upgraded from conventional forks for sharper handling and cornering feedback
Hydroformed Handlebar: A stiffer and more ergonomically tuned bar enhances control and crash resilience
OBD‑2B Engine Compliance: The same punchy 197.75 cc oil-cooled single-cylinder continues to deliver ~20.8 hp and 17.25 Nm torque—now with advanced on-board diagnostics
Visual Resilience: Race-ready red alloys, revamped graphics, and three fresh hues—Glossy Black, Matte Black, and Granite Grey—reinforce its differentiated stance on the road
Core Performance & Tech Features
Beyond its functional upgrades, the Apache retains segment-leading tech:
**Six-speed gearbox **with slipper assist clutch
Three ride modes: Sport, Urban, Rain
Dual-channel ABS with rear-lift-off protection
TVS SmartXonnect: Bluetooth connectivity, SMS/calls, lean-angle alerts, race telemetry, turn-by-turn navigation
Full digital TFT cluster, LED lighting, and adjustable levers
This blend of modernity and practicality keeps riders connected and safe.
Pricing and Value Proposition
Ex-showroom price: ₹1,53,990 (Delhi); a modest hike of ~₹5,370 over the outgoing model
Competitive Edge: Still cheaper than the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and Honda Hornet 2.0
CarTopNews Verdict
The 2025 Apache RTR 200 4V proves TVS’s commitment to evolution—not revolution. By retaining its dynamic engine and performance appeal while integrating upscale chassis, diagnostics, and freshness in looks, TVS continues to lead the 200 cc street bike segment. This update is timely, ensuring that the Apache maintains its edge against modern-day challengers.
